TNAG-1815-FCO40-2576-Hong-Kong-Public-Order-(Amendment)-Bill-1988-1988 — Page 5

supported

Government wrong, from the beginning. Those who the Government's position two years ago may feel let down, but are not expected to react strongly. There may be some perception of Government weakness.

Overseas, we should do better, as a major target of criticism will have been removed.

Publicity

18

available.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

A press release will be issued and a spokesman made

Our general approach wil be that -

the Government has been carefully monitoring the effects of Section 27. The media has continued to report freely;

Section 27 was only ever intended as a last resort, a point underlined by publication of the Attorney General's prosecution guidelines;

we have concluded that public opinion is against retention;

we have come to the view that the public interest would only ever require such power to be used in an

and emergency,

adequate powers exist under Emergency Regulations; and

a

logical final

repeal is

step of liberalisation process begun two years ago.

the

(The Secretary for Administrative Services and Information, Mr P.K.Y. TSAO, the Principal Assistant Secretary (Special Duties), Mr M.J.T. ROWSE, and the Senior Assistant Law Draftsman, Mr J.R. CRAWFORD, will attend for this item.)

21 November 1988 (ASIB/I 2406c (88))

COUNCIL CHAMBER